Emotions were high on the final day of official business in the Laois County Council chamber for 2024 when the issue of burial spaces was raised.
Fine Gael’s Conor Bergin began the discussion by requesting funding to improve the cemetery in Camross.
Sinn Fein’s Caroline Dwane-Stanley then explained how Portlaoise cemetery was now almost full to capacity.
But it was Independent Councillor Ben Brennan who grabbed everyone’s attention in relation to the situation in Killeshin.
He said: “Killeshin cemetery is nearly full and we are in big trouble.
“We are going to have to start cremating people and putting them into a hole soon if something isn’t done up there.
“There is a landowner nearby who may do business with the council but this needs immediate action.”
Backing up Cllr Brennan, Independent Aisling Moran called for a Columbarium Wall to be erected in every cemetery in the county.
Fine Gael’s John King reminded her and everyone else how his call for just one in Rathdowney had fell on deaf ears only last week.
In response to it all, Director of Service Donal Brennan said: “We are constantly monitoring the situation with graveyards in the county.
“But any purchase of land has to fall within public procurement rules.
“As regards Columbarium Walls, to expand that service without being sure of the actual level of demand would be unwise.”
Cllr Ben Brennan was less than please with this response.
He said: “I do not accept this. This should have nothing to do with money.
“Everyone should be entitled to be buried in their own place. Not in a cemetery away from where they are from.
“I want this sorted out. Please, I am asking you all to act on this immediately.”
Chief Executive Michael Rainey stepped in at this point and told the Councillors that a countywide review of all cemeteries would be carried out.
He said: “That will give us a full picture of what needs to be done rather than a case by case approach.”
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